Finding Our Voices The Value and Importance of Cultural Arts in Education and Life

What Are Cultural Arts? How do we find our voices? The cultural arts are avenues for creativity and self-expression. Albert Einstein stressed the importance of the creative mind, once saying, “I’m enough of an artist to draw freely on my imagination, which I think is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” The sources of both “voice” and “vocation” come from the Latin word vocare, which means “to call, or invoke”. Our voice is what calls forth our most sincere life passion and interest. With cultural arts we learn to love, live and learn with passion, contributing our authentic gifts to the world that surrounds us. Dance, theatre, music, visual art and literature help us find our voice by defining who we are and who we want to be.

Dance

Theatre

Music

Visual Art

Written and Spoken Word

Cultural Arts is beneficial for the Brain and our health

Health Benefits Cultural arts allow us to find and define our own voice, channeling both comfortable and uncomfortable emotions. Almost 60% of people are more likely to report good health if they have attended a cultural event or place in the past 12 months. Dance aids in reducing loneliness, alleviating depression and anxiety among people. The arts illuminate our inner lives, enriches our emotional world and teaches us compassion Engagement in the arts makes learning easier and helps us to understand the world that surrounds us with deeper perspective while developing social emotional life skills.

Cultural Arts Benefit Society

Cultural Arts Benefit Society Cultural arts aid in celebrating the diversity of national identities. The arts reduce social exclusion and isolation. Students who study arts subjects are more employable and more likely to stay employed. Participation in the arts can contribute to community cohesion and make communities feel safer and stronger.

Cultural Arts Provide Success in Education

Cultural Arts Provide Success in Education There is a big connection between culture and curriculum. The curriculum provided in the educational system is the expression of what a society is or aspires to be. Students from low-income families who participate in the arts are three times more likely to get a college degree than students from low-income families who do not engage in arts activities at school. Theatre improves clarity in written and spoken expression. Taking part in structured music activities improves attainment in math, early language acquisition and early literacy.

Cultural Arts Aid in Economic growth

Cultural Arts Aid in Economic growth Cultural arts have a number of economic impacts on local economies within cities and towns In 2013, the Local Government Association (LGA) published a range of case studies on how local investment in arts and culture positively impacts local economic growth. Attracts visitors Creates jobs Attracts and retains business Revitalizes places Develops Talent Cultural arts create a kind of “pulling power” bringing visitors to a theatre, museum, or festival, therefore, spending money on their ticket, meals in local restaurants and spending in local shops.

Conclusion A society without cultural arts is a voiceless society. Find and keep your voice by attending and or participating in Cultural Arts. Listen to music, read, write and appreciate all art forms. Live your sincere life’s passion by asking your self constantly: Where am I holding back and biting my tongue? How can I express more of my gifts and power? If I knew I could not fail, what would be my next step?